Can I travel with my ID card?
25 July 2024
This post is for everyone who has ever asked this question: “Can I travel with my ID card?” Whether expired or not, we will provide you with a precise answer, adapted to each specific case. We will also teach you about fundamental concepts such asidentity of the traveler, L’Schengen area, there validity of identity documents And much more. So take your ID card, sit back comfortably and let yourself be guided through this world that is often overlooked but is nevertheless so essential to all your travels.
Traveling with your national identity card: is it possible?
The name “card national identity” is misleading. However, despite this name, it is indeed possible to travel with this document, in the same way as a passport. Indeed, as a citizen of the European Union, you are allowed to move freely across all member countries with your French identity card. The same goes for the wholeSchengen area, which brings together 26 European countries having decided to abolish controls at common borders.
But be careful, each country has its own rules. For some countries outside European Union and Schengen area, your passport may be required, or even a visa. Before travel with your ID card, it is therefore essential to find out about the formalities of the destination country. The website of public service French is a reliable source of information on this subject.
How to check the validity of your identity card?
Your identity card lasts for validity 15 years for adults, and 10 years for minors. But how to determine the expiration date? It’s very simple: take a look at the date of issue indicated on your map. Add 15 years to it (or 10 years for minors), and you get the expiry date.
What happens if your card is expired ? Good news, since 2014, all identity cards issued to adults have seen their extended validity 5 years old. This means that a card issued in 2009 is valid until 2024, even if the date written on the card indicates 2019. Please note, not all countries accept cards expired for traveling. It is therefore recommended to verify this information with the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.
Identity checks during your travels
While traveling, your identity can be verified at different times. At the airport, the company airline verifies your identity during check-in and boarding. This is also the case during checks of the border police, upon entering and leaving the territory.
It is therefore essential to always have with you the identity documents required. In the event of a check, if you cannot prove your identity, you risk a fine or even a prison sentence. Additionally, if your identity card is stolen or lost, it is important to report it to the local authorities and the French consulate or embassy as quickly as possible.
It is also important to note that minors must always carry their own identification to travel. For minors traveling without their parents or with only one of them, authorization to leave the territory is necessary, accompanied by a copy of the identity document of the signing parent.
The photo on your identity card and passport
There photo on your ID card or passport is an essential part of your identity as a traveler. It must be recent and resemble your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly since the photo was taken (surgery, weight change, etc.), it is recommended to renew your ID card or passport.
The photo must also respect certain rules: it must be in color, on a light, plain and neutral background, show the face from the front and the bare head, without smiling or grimacing. Glasses are accepted if the eyes are clearly visible and without reflections.
As you have understood, your ID card can be a precious key to your travels, but it must be validated and up to date. Before travel with your card, be sure to check out its validity, to know the rules of country of destination, and to comply with the requirements related to the photo. Remember: if in doubt, it is better to find out in advance rather than having surprises once you get there. A nice journey to all of you !
